External antenna for communicating with a motor and method of using same

ABSTRACT

An antenna assembly for communicating with a motor comprises an antenna for mounting exterior of a motor housing and a link for coupling the antenna to a motor controller.

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention relates generally to electric motors having electronic controls, and more particularly, to electric motors having external antennas for relaying signals to and from electronic controls.

One of many applications for an electric motor is to operate a pump or a blower. The electric motor may be configured to rotate an impeller within a pump or blower to displace fluid. Many gas burning appliances include an electric motor, for example, without limitation, water heaters, boilers, pool heaters, space heaters, furnaces, and radiant heaters. In some examples, the electric motor powers a blower that moves air or a fuel/air mixture through the appliance. In other examples, the electric motor powers a blower that distributes air output from the appliance. Typically, these electric motors are enclosed within a motor housing to protect the motor from the environment and protect people from dangerous components of the motor.

One type of motor used in such systems is an alternating current (AC) induction motor. Another type of motor that may be used in the application described above is an electronically commutated motor (ECM). ECMs include, but are not limited to, brushless direct current (BLDC) motors, permanent magnet alternating current (PMAC) motors, and variable reluctance motors. Typically, these motors provide higher electrical efficiency than an AC induction motor. Some ECMs have an axial flux configuration in which the flux in the air gap extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Some known electric motors require electronic controls. These electronic controls are often enclosed inside the motor housing to protect the electronic controls from the environment. Some of these electronic controls incorporate radio-based communication capabilities, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) capabilities, for communicating with handheld devices. One type of radio-based communication system is a Near Field Communication (NFC) system. Generally, an NFC system requires at least two inductive components that generate magnetic fields. When the components' magnetic fields overlap, the components will inductively transfer their currents and, thereby, exchange signals and information.

Some known radio-based communications systems have a limited range. For example, NFC components' magnetic fields generally have a very limited range, usually no more than 10 centimeters. However, electronic controls are typically positioned in the motor housing such that the antenna signal from the antenna incorporated in the electronic controls would not reach the exterior of the housing. Additionally, the typical metal enclosure interferes with the signal. Therefore, a user has to position a handheld device inside the housing to transmit the signal to and receive a signal from an antenna, such as an NFC antenna, on a typical motor, which is both awkward and dangerous for the user. Additionally, such antennas are difficult to repair or replace since they are inside the motor assembly. Furthermore, it is expensive to retrofit a motor to add radio-based communication capabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an electric machine comprises a motor assembly including a motor controller. The motor assembly is enclosed in a motor housing. An NFC antenna is mounted exterior of the motor housing. A link extends between the NFC antenna and the motor controller. The link is coupled to both the NFC antenna and the motor controller.

In another aspect, an antenna assembly for externally mounting on a motor housing comprises an enclosure. The enclosure comprises an isolation compartment and a link compartment. The link compartment is configured for inserting at least partially within the motor housing. An antenna is coupled within the isolation compartment. A link circuit board is coupled within the link compartment. The link circuit board is coupled to the antenna and is configured to relay signals between the antenna and an electronics control.

In yet another aspect, a method of communicating with a motor enclosed in a housing uses an NFC antenna. The method includes receiving a signal from a handheld device using the NFC antenna mounted exterior of the housing. The method additionally includes transmitting the signal received by the NFC antenna through a link coupled between the NFC antenna and an electronic control. The method further includes receiving the signal at the electronic control enclosed in the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric machine with sections of an exterior housing removed to show an exemplary antenna;

FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of the exemplary antenna connected to the electric machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric motor including an exemplary antenna;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electric motor shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 with the exemplary antenna coupled to a motor housing;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described below are external antennas for communicating with motors and methods of using antennas to communicate with motors. Antennas provide a simple means to communicate with and, thereby, control or configure a motor. An externally mounted antenna allows a user to communicate with the motor from a handheld device positioned outside the motor housing. The antenna is coupled to the motor through a shared link to reduce the cost of assembling the motor. The shared link transmits signals between the motor, a control board, and the antenna. The shared link includes safety components to protect a user from accidental shock. Alternatively, the antenna includes a dedicated transmission line to isolate the antenna and simplify repair and replacement of the antenna. In a further embodiment, the antenna is positioned in a snap-in enclosure for mounting directly to the exterior of the housing. The snap-in enclosure includes a link for directly linking the antenna to electronic controls.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric machine 10 with sections of an exterior housing 12 removed to show an antenna 14. In the exemplary embodiment, electric machine 10 is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit 16 comprising housing 12, a motor assembly 18, a blower assembly 20, a control board 22, and transmission lines 24. In alternative embodiments, electric machine 10 is any type of motorized machine. In the exemplary embodiment, motor assembly 18 drives a fan (not shown) of blower assembly 20 to draw air into, through, and out of HVAC unit 16 for distribution in an HVAC system (not shown).

Motor assembly 18 includes a motor housing 26 having a motor enclosure 28 and a control enclosure 30. Control enclosure 30 encloses motor controller 32 (shown in FIG. 2). Transmission lines 24 extend from control enclosure 30 to control board 22. Motor assembly 18 is coupled to a first end 34 of transmission lines 24 and control board 22 is coupled to a second end 36 of transmission lines 24. Transmission lines 24 include a link 38, which connects motor assembly 18 to input/output (I/O) components 40 on control board 22. In addition, link 38 connects motor assembly 18 to antenna 14. Thus, link 38 is a shared connection reducing the material and labor necessary for assembling motor assembly 18. In alternative embodiments, link 38 extends to other components of motor assembly 18 and/or other components of electric machine 10, for example, without limitation, a second motor (not shown). In further alternative embodiments, link 38 comprises a power line (not shown) for supplying power from an external power source (not shown) to motor assembly 18, in addition to coupling antenna 14 to motor assembly 18. Alternatively, link 38 exclusively connects antenna 14 to motor assembly 18.

In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 includes a pair of insulated transmission wires (not shown). Transmission wires are any wires suitable for transmitting a signal as described herein, e.g., a twisted pair of wires or coaxial wires. Alternatively, link 38 is any component suitable for connecting antenna 14 to motor assembly 18 as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 facilitates reducing manufacturing costs since an additional circuit does not need to be added for antenna 14. Additionally, link 38 facilitates placing antenna 14 on control board 22. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 is mounted separately from control board 22.

Antenna 14 includes a looped wire configured to transmit radio signals when current flows through the looped wire. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 is any size, shape, and configuration suitable for functioning as described herein. For example, antenna 14 can be any tuned circuit configured to transmit radio signals in any radio-based communication system including, but not limited to, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) systems. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 generates a magnetic field when it vibrates at a selected frequency. Specifically, antenna 14 vibrates at a frequency of about 13.56 MHz and, thus, is suitable for use in a Near Field Communication (NFC) system. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 vibrates at any frequency.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 transmits radio signals to and receives signals from components, such as inductive components used in NFC systems. In NFC systems, at least one NFC component generates a magnetic field to inductively transfer currents and, thereby, exchange signals and information with other NFC components positioned within the magnetic field. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 acts as an NFC component to send and receive signals. Antenna 14 will transmit radio signals to NFC components positioned within the magnetic field of antenna 14. Therefore, the magnetic field generated by antenna 14 defines the antenna range of antenna 14. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 has an antenna range of approximately 10 centimeters. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 receives radio signals from NFC components when antenna 14 is positioned within the magnetic field of the NFC components. The NFC components' magnetic fields generally have a very limited range, usually no more than 10 centimeters.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 is mounted on control board 22 such that a user can position a hand held device, e.g. a smart phone, within the antenna range. Ideally, control board 22 and antenna 14 are positioned such that the antenna range extends outside housing 12. For example, antenna 14 is positioned less than 10 cm from the exterior of housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment, housing 12 includes a panel 42 that is removed to expose control board 22 and antenna 14. Removal of panel 42 facilitates the positioning of the hand held device in the antenna range of antenna 14. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 is positioned anywhere exterior to motor assembly 18, including any positions interior or exterior of housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 is positioned between about 60 cm and about 92 cm from control enclosure 30.

FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of electric machine 10. Motor controller 32 includes an NFC electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) 44, an NFC tuned circuit 46, and a microprocessor 48. In alternative embodiments, any antenna suitable for functioning as described herein is swapped for NFC tuned circuit 46. In the exemplary embodiment, a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI Bus) 50 connects NFC EEPROM 44 to microprocessor 48. In alternative embodiments, a standard EEPROM (not shown), without NFC capabilities, is swapped for NFC EEPROM 44. In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 includes an RX line 52, a common line 54, optical isolation components 56, and a coupling link 58. Coupling link 58 facilitates coupling NFC tuned circuit 46 with other components for relaying signals to and from NFC tuned circuit 46. Coupling link 58 is any coupling component suitable for functioning as described herein, e.g., a magnetic or capacitive coupling component. In the exemplary embodiment, RX line 52 includes an inductor 60 and a capacitor 62 for isolating antenna 14 from voltage in RX line 52. By isolating antenna 14, capacitor 62 facilitates antenna 14 being coupled to common line 54 without shorting out the circuit and/or creating safety issues. Antenna 14 and a control board 64 are coupled to RX line 52 and common line 54. In alternate embodiments where link 38 is dedicated to antenna 14 and free from coupling with other components, capacitor 62 is unnecessary.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric motor 100 including an antenna 102. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of electric motor 100 taken along line 4-4 with antenna 102 coupled to a motor housing 104. Antenna 102 is similar to antenna 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except antenna 102 is positioned in an antenna enclosure 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, electric motor 100 generally includes motor housing 104, a motor assembly 112, and an electronics control 114. Motor housing 104 is defined by an adaptor plate 116, a shroud 118, a motor enclosure 120, and an electronics enclosure 122. Motor assembly 112 generally includes a stator 124 and a rotor 126 coupled to a shaft 128. A plurality of permanent magnets 130 are coupled to rotor 126 in any suitable configuration that enables motor assembly 112 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, stator 124 is oriented adjacent rotor 126 in an axial flux configuration. Alternatively, stator 124 is oriented at least partially surrounding rotor 126 in a radial flux configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, rotor 126 is rotatable within motor housing 104 and, more specifically, rotor 126 is rotatable within motor enclosure 120. Rotor 126 is driven by stator 124, which is controlled by electronics control 114. In some embodiments, electronics control 114 acts as a sinusoidal or trapezoidal electronics control for stator 124.

In the exemplary embodiment, motor enclosure 120 defines an inner cavity 132. Motor assembly 112 is mounted within inner cavity 132. A shaft first end 134 extends through an aperture 136 defined in motor enclosure 120 and a shaft second end 138 extends through an aperture 140 defined in adaptor plate 116. Adaptor plate 116 facilitates attachment of electric motor 100 to a system (not shown) to be driven by shaft 128.

In the exemplary embodiment, electronics enclosure 122 is coupled to an end of motor enclosure 120. Electronics enclosure 122 includes an inner cavity 142 defined by a sidewall 144 and an end cover 146. Electronics control 114 is mounted within electronics enclosure 122 and facilitates control of motor assembly 112. Sidewall 144 defines a rectangular-shaped opening 148 that receives a portion of antenna enclosure 106. Alternatively, opening 148 has any suitable shape that enables opening 148 to function as described herein. When antenna enclosure 106 is not positioned in opening 148, a patch 150 covers opening 148. Patch 150 is a plastic sheet with an adhesive backing for coupling to sidewall 144 around opening 148 such that patch 150 completely covers opening 148. In alternative embodiments, patch 150 is made of any material, e.g., metal, and is coupled to sidewall 144 in any suitable manner, e.g., rivets and/or welds. In further embodiments, patch 150 covers only a portion of opening 148. For example, in some embodiments, patch 150 covers portions of opening 148 not filled by antenna enclosure 106 when antenna enclosure 106 is inserted in opening 148.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna enclosure 106 has an isolation compartment 152 and a link compartment 154. Isolation compartment 152 defines an antenna cavity 156 for receiving antenna 102. Antenna 102 removably couples inside antenna cavity 156. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna enclosure 106 is made substantially of nonconductive material, such as plastic and/or rubber, such that antenna 106 is isolated from electrical charges in conductive material that contacts isolation compartment 152. Additionally, the nonconductive material minimizes interference with the antenna range. In alternative embodiments, antenna enclosure 106 is made of any suitable material or combinations of materials that allow antenna enclosure 106 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, link compartment 154 defines a link cavity 158 for receiving a link component 160. Link component 160 is any component that enables antenna 102 to link with electronics control 114. In the exemplary embodiment, link component 160 is a circuit board 162 coupled with antenna 102 by a wire 164. Link compartment 154 and isolation compartment 152 are configured such that circuit board 162 and antenna 102 are positioned in planes approximately perpendicular to each other, i.e., planes that form a 90° angle. In alternative embodiments, antenna 102 and circuit board 162 are positioned in the same plane or in planes forming any angles. In the exemplary embodiment, circuit board 162 intersects antenna 102 between distal ends of antenna 102 and offset from the center of antenna 102.

The position of link compartment 154 in relation to isolation compartment 152 facilitates inserting a portion of link compartment 154 in opening 148. When inserted in opening 148, link compartment 154 extends partially into electronics enclosure 122 such that a portion of circuit board 162 is aligned with a portion of electronics control 114. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, circuit board 162 is aligned with an NFC tuned circuit component or antenna (not shown) of electronics control 114. The aligned circuit board 162 and electronics control 114 couple together for relaying signals between the two. The coupling between circuit board 162 and electronics control 114 acts as a wireless link, i.e., circuit board 162 links to electronics control 114 without transmission lines. Accordingly, antenna 102 is capable of coupling to a motor that does not have transmission lines running to an I/O board (not shown).

Link compartment 154 has a rectangular cuboid shape and is slightly smaller in cross section than opening 148, thus, link compartment 154 fits easily into opening 148. In alternate embodiments, link compartment 154 has any size and shape suitable for functioning as described herein. Antenna enclosure 106 further includes retention snaps 166 for securing antenna enclosure 106 to electronics enclosure 122. Retention snaps 166 are, in one embodiment, flexible wedge shaped protrusions disposed on the exterior of link compartment 154 comprising a leading end 168 and a back end 170. The space between retention snaps 166 and link compartment 154 increases from a minimum space at leading end 168 to a maximum space at back end 170. The minimum space at leading end 168 is less than the clearance of opening 148 around link compartment 154. Therefore, as link compartment 154 is inserted into opening 148, an edge 172 surrounding opening 148 contacts retention snaps 166 at a point between leading end 168 and back end 170. Edge 172 then compresses retention snaps 166 against link compartment 154. Once link compartment 154 is inserted such that retention snaps 166 pass beyond edge 172, retention snaps 166 return to their original wedge shape spaced from link compartment 154. After insertion of link compartment 154, back end 170 is closer to edge 172 than leading end 168 is to edge 172. Since the maximum space at back end 170 is greater than the clearance of opening 148 around link compartment 154, retention snaps 166 will not compress if link compartment 154 is pulled out of opening 148. Thus, retention snaps 166 prevent withdrawal of link compartment 154. In alternative embodiments, antenna enclosure 106 secures to electronics enclosure 122 by any suitable means, e.g., welds, screws, magnets, and/or adhesives.

In the exemplary embodiment, isolation compartment 152 has a curved wall 172 that substantially matches the curvature of electronics enclosure 122. Spacers 174 extend from curved wall 172 to isolate isolation compartment 152 from the exterior of electronics enclosure 122. Spacers 174 and curved wall 172 stabilize isolation compartment 152 against electronics enclosure 122.

An exemplary method of using antenna 102 to control electric motor 100 is described herein. Electric motor 100 generally includes motor housing 104, motor assembly 112, and electronics control 114. Motor housing 104 includes motor enclosure 120 containing motor assembly 112 and electronics enclosure 122 containing electronics control 114. Electronics control 114 includes I/O components 40 and NFC EEPROM 44. Alternatively, a motor without I/O components 40 and/or NFC EEPROM 44 is provided.

The exemplary method includes positioning antenna 102 within isolation compartment 152 of antenna enclosure 106. In alternative methods, antenna 102 is not positioned in an antenna enclosure. The exemplary method includes coupling antenna enclosure 106 directly to the exterior of motor housing 104. In alternative methods, antenna 102 is mounted anywhere external of motor housing 104, e.g. on housing 12. The exemplary method further includes positioning spacers 174 between isolation compartment 152 and motor housing 104. Link compartment 154 containing circuit board 162 is inserted at least partially into motor housing 104. Circuit board 162 is aligned with electronics control 114 to link antenna 102 with electronics control 114 through circuit board 162. In alternative methods, antenna 102 is linked with electronics control 114 in any suitable manner, e.g., coupling link 38 between antenna 102 and electronics control 114. Alternative methods further include connecting capacitor 62 to link 38 such that antenna 102 is isolated from direct current running through link 38. In the exemplary method, a signal is sent from a handheld device (not shown) to antenna 102. The signal is relayed from antenna 102 to electronics control 114 through circuit board 162. The exemplary method further includes relaying information from electronics control 114, such as specifications and diagnostics of electric motor 100, through antenna 102 and receiving the information on the handheld device.

Described herein are systems and methods for communicating with an electric motor such as a motor or a generator through an antenna. The electric motor has a motor housing and an antenna mounted exterior of the motor housing. A signal from the antenna is received by a handheld device positioned exterior of the housing. Therefore, a user does not have to position the handheld device in the interior of the motor housing to communicate with the motor.

Some embodiments described herein relate to electric motors including electric motors and electronic controls. However, the methods and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of apparatus and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with any motor, and are not limited to practice with the electric motors as described herein. In addition, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods and apparatus described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric machine comprising: a motor assembly including a motor controller; a motor housing enclosing said motor assembly; an NFC antenna mounted exterior of said motor housing; and a link extending between said NFC antenna and said motor controller, said link coupled to both said NFC antenna and said motor controller.
 2. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein said NFC antenna operates at a frequency of about 13.56 MHz.
 3. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein said motor controller includes an NFC chip, said link coupled to said NFC chip.
 4. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein said link is coupled exclusively between said NFC antenna and said motor controller.
 5. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein said link is coupled to an I/O board.
 6. The electric machine in accordance with claim 5, wherein said link comprises a capacitor configured to isolate said NFC antenna from direct current transmitted by said link.
 7. The electric machine in accordance with claim 6, wherein said NFC antenna is mounted on said I/O board.
 8. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an electric machine housing, said motor housing enclosed within said electric machine housing, said NFC antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field at a selected frequency, and said NFC antenna mounted within said electric machine housing such that a portion of said magnetic field extends to the exterior of said electric machine housing.
 9. An antenna assembly for externally mounting on a motor housing, the antenna assembly comprising: an enclosure comprising an isolation compartment and a link compartment, said link compartment configured for inserting at least partially within the motor housing; an antenna coupled within said isolation compartment; and a link circuit board coupled within said link compartment, said link circuit board coupled to said antenna, said link circuit board configured to relay signals between said antenna and an electronics control.
 10. The antenna assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein said antenna is a NFC antenna configured to operate at a frequency of about 13.56 MHz.
 11. The antenna assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein said enclosure is configured such that said link circuit board aligns with the motor controller board when said link compartment is inserted at least partially within the motor housing.
 12. The antenna assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein said isolation compartment and said link compartment are coupled together at a predetermined angle.
 13. The antenna assembly in accordance with claim 9 further comprising spacers configured to space said isolation compartment from the motor housing.
 14. The antenna assembly in accordance with claim 13 further comprising retention snaps to secure said enclosure to the motor housing.
 15. A method of using an NFC antenna to communicate with a motor enclosed in a housing, the method comprising: receiving a signal from a handheld device using the NFC antenna mounted exterior of the housing; transmitting the signal received by the NFC antenna through a link coupled between the NFC antenna and an electronic control; and receiving the signal at the electronic control enclosed in the housing.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising positioning the NFC antenna in an enclosure and coupling the NFC antenna to the housing such that the link extends into the housing and links the NFC antenna to the electronic control.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising transmitting motor data from the electronics control through the NFC antenna to a handheld device.
 18. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein receiving the signal comprises receiving the signal using the NFC antenna operating at a frequency of about 13.56 MHz.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising coupling the link between the NFC antenna and the electronics control, the link comprising a transmission wire.
 20. The method in accordance with claim 19 further comprising coupling the link to an I/O component, the link further comprising a capacitor.
 21. The method in accordance with claim 19, wherein coupling the link comprises coupling the link exclusively between the NFC antenna and the electronic control. 